Austin Azurdia is in his second year at the University of Alaska-Anchorage in the NCAA ranks. He earned a scholarship to play for the Seawolves after spending two years in a Rivermen uniform. In 104 BCHL games, the Wenatchee native recorded 77 points (34 goals, 43 assists) and is known for scoring a goal that went viral across North America on October 7, 2012.
Langleyrivermen.com had a chance to catch up with Austin:
LR: You are currently in your sophomore year at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, how has your time there been?
AA: It’s been good. We had a rough year a season ago, but we are off to a good start this year. I am enjoying my time here and very happy with my choice to come to UAA.
LR: What was the biggest learning experience for you during your freshman year?
AA: I learned how to juggle school and hockey. I had to mature quickly and adjust to the strength and speed of the players. We only won 8 games but I think that lit a fire in a lot of our returners, and that’s why we are off to a hot start.
LR: What kind of role do you expect to have this season?
AA: I expect to be offensive player this year. I’m playing some good minutes so far and have had some success. I also want to keep improving my 200 foot game so I can play in all situations.
LR: How was the adjustment coming from junior “A” to the NCAA ranks?
AA: It was tough the first couple of games. The speed and strength are definitely a huge difference. You’re playing against men in the NCAA.
LR: Was it hard getting back into school again and what are you studying?
AA: Yeah it was pretty hard my freshman year. It’s been an adjustment that is for sure. I’m double majoring in management and marketing.
LR: What is a typical day like for you?
AA: Wake up around 7:00am, get to the rink by 8:00am, practice, workout and then class. It’s a pretty busy day. I usually don’t get home till around 5:00pm and then I am doing homework for a few hours. It can be pretty exhausting.
LR: How is your cooking abilities? Can we expect to see you on Masterchef anytime soon?
AA: I get by, my meals are pretty plain. I don’t think you’ll see me on the cooking channel anytime soon.
LR: Has “the goal” made it’s rounds over there within the team or fans?
AA: We have a lot of guys from BC when that goal happened, so they have mentioned it, but not too much. I still get tagged quite a bit on social media sites with people posting it.
LR: Do you keep tabs on the Rivermen and how they are doing at all?
AA: Absolutely, I keep in touch with Bobby and I’ll occasionally talk with Kurt. Seems like they have a pretty good team this year, so hopefully they’ll make some noise down the stretch.
LR: How much did your two seasons with the Rivermen help get you to where you are today?
AA: I developed a lot in my two years there. Bobby held me accountable and it was exactly what I needed. I can’t say enough about my time with Langley and the staff all the way up to Roy Henderson.
LR: You are from Wenatchee, what was your reaction when you heard they were joining the BCHL?
AA: I was hoping they were going to get in my last year with the Rivermen. I would have loved to come back and play a game or two against the Wild in Wenatchee.
Photo credit: www.goseawolves.com
